The crown jewel of Kerlingarfjöll: steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and hills that seem painted in burnt orange, yellow, red, and green — all naturally occurring from the rhyolite rock and geothermal activity. This is where we’ll hike on marked trails (2–3 km loop approx. 1,24-1,86 miles) and take time to photograph the ethereal landscape, with glacier tongues in the background and snow patches clinging to steaming hillsides.

Named after a legendary stone troll woman (“Kerling”), this range of mountains sits between the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Once a training ground for Icelandic mountaineers, it’s now a haven for photographers, hikers, and geology lovers. Expect remote silence, wide panoramas, and untouched wilderness.

Located just north of Kerlingarfjöll on the F35 route, Hveravellir is one of Iceland’s most unique geothermal oases — a steamy plateau of fumaroles and turquoise hot springs set against lava fields and snowy peaks. Historically used by Icelandic outlaws like Fjalla-Eyvindur, today it offers rustic natural pools and an incredible highland atmosphere. A perfect contrast to Hveradalir’s dramatic slopes. There’s also a geothermal spot where you can soak in the warm waters — so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you’d like to take a relaxing dip.

The last one of the three Golden spots on your list is the enormous Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most powerful and iconic waterfalls in Iceland. Its grand cascades of water will astonish you with yet another display of nature’s untamed force.